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Inside a carnival mask workshop

Elzach, Germany

Wood sculptor Adrian Burger shows a wooden mask "Larve" that he has prepared for a client for Carnival, at his workshop in Elzach, Germany, Feb. 26, 2014.

For the last 25 years Burger has produced about 120 masks a year from linden tree wood for local revelers, as well as collectors, and is one of four artisans in Elzach who have specialized in the masks in a local tradition going back to the 16th century.

A mask cost around 250 - 300 Euro. Carnival in the region is already underway and will continue through early next week in celebrations similar to shrovetide or Mardi Gras.

All photos taken in Elzach, Germany on Feb. 26, 2014.

Credit: Thomas Lohnes/Getty Images

Elzach, Germany

Burger chisels at a wooden mask that he is preparing for a client for Carnival, locally called Fastnacht or Fasnet.

Credit: Thomas Lohnes/Getty Images

Elzach, Germany

Burger paints a wooden mask that he is preparing for a client for Carnival.

Credit: Thomas Lohnes/Getty Images

Elzach, Germany

Burger chisels at a wooden mask that he is preparing for a client for Carnival.

Credit: Thomas Lohnes/Getty Images

Elzach, Germany

Burger chisels a wooden mask that he is preparing for a client for Carnival.

Credit: Thomas Lohnes/Getty Images

Elzach, Germany

Burger tests a mask for fit at his workshop.

Credit: Thomas Lohnes/Getty Images

Elzach, Germany

A wooden mask that sculptor Adrian Burger is preparing for a client for Carnival, is pictured at his workshop.

Credit: Thomas Lohnes/Getty Images

Elzach, Germany

Burger chisels a wooden mask that he is preparing for a client for Carnival.

Credit: Thomas Lohnes/Getty Images

Elzach, Germany

Burger sands a wooden mask that he is preparing for a client for Carnival.

Credit: Thomas Lohnes/Getty Images

Elzach, Germany

Burger chisels a wooden mask that he is preparing for a client for Carnival.

Credit: Thomas Lohnes/Getty Images

Elzach, Germany

Burger chisels a wooden mask that he is preparing for a client for Carnival.

Credit: Thomas Lohnes/Getty Images

Elzach, Germany

Burger chisels a wooden mask that he is preparing for a client for Carnival.

Credit: Thomas Lohnes/Getty Images

Elzach, Germany

Burger paints a wooden mask that he is preparing for a client for Carnival.

Credit: Thomas Lohnes/Getty Images

Elzach, Germany

Burger chisels a wooden mask that he is preparing for a client for Carnival.

Credit: Thomas Lohnes/Getty Images

Elzach, Germany

A wooden mask that sculptor Adrian Burger is preparing for a client for Carnival, is pictured at his workshop, Feb. 26, 2014.